10 Best Roof Vents 2022 – Reviews & Buyers Guide

Choosing the right ventilation system is not an easy task. We have tested different types of roof vents for several weeks in different types of roofs, consulted with eight professional roof engineer and finally come up with in-depth reviews on top 10 best roof vents.

We have tested and tried all types of vents including turbines, boxed, power vents & others. According to our research, Cool Attic CX1500UPS Power Gable is the best attic exhaust ventilator on market. Undoubtedly this product is our top pick.

If you are searching for roof vent caps then Builder’s Best 012633 is going to be our best recommendation for you. We are also referring Lomanco BIB-12 as the best turbine ventilator on the market.

Best Roof Vents Reviews

We have buyers guide for you describing what you should look for before buying roof vents. So, do continue reading.

#1. Cool Attic CX1500UPS Power Gable – Best Attic Exhaust Ventilator

The Cool Attic CX1500UPS Power Gable is a very effective power attic ventilator. Very much effective in reducing heat buildup & equalizing temperatures both inside and outside the attic and therefore helps to prevent weather-induced home deterioration. It will make your living areas more comfortable and will reduce air conditioning costs.

This is a 1300 CFM Power Attic Gable Mount Ventilator with a thermally protected motor of 2.6 Amp, a galvanized steel flange, automatic thermostat, and completely pre-assembled for easy installation. Moreover, this vent has precision-balanced 4 fan blades for minimum vibration and greater air movement and no heat distortion.

CX1500UPS Power Gable can cool attics up to 1,850 square feet by using a 14-inch fan with a 1300 CFM rating. The box only contains 4 screws to attach the brackets to the shroud, so, keep in mind, you may need some additional stuff while installing.

Features

• Solid construction – High-quality galvanized steel has made this ventilator extremely long-lasting.
• Attic ventilation – Effective and powerful attic ventilation reduce heat and stabilize temperature both in the attic and home environment
• Gable mount – Suitable for gable mount for proper attic ventilation
• Easy to install – Comparatively easy to install requiring no extra tools and no holes.
• Powerful cooling – With 1,300 CFM powerful cooling systems this attic vent brings comfort to your attic and home.

#2. Lomanco BIB-12 Whirlybird – Best Turbine Vent

Ther’s not a single turbine ventilator in the market that can beat Lomanco BIB-12 Whirlybird Turbine. It’s not only highly effective, but it’s also very nice looking. Since 1946, Lomancho providing an extremely effective series of ventilators and I must say, this ventilator is one of their best vents and probably their best turbine vent of all time.

In spite of having three colors; brown, silver and black, it’s very easy to select according to your roof color. If you are searching for a great turbine vent, then it should be your first choice. We have selected this as our top pick for the best turbine roof vent.

The best thing is that the company is providing a lifetime warranty for this product. So, you don’t need to think about any problems at all. Don’t forget to install it in a proper way in the right position of your roof to get the maximum results.

Features

• All-aluminum construction – It has 21 air-foil rolled edges curved vanes so that it can turn away water, and 100% all-aluminum construction.
• Strength – 147 m.p.h. winds withstand capacity
• Easy to install – Comparatively easy to install.
• Energy-saving – Reduce energy bills if properly installed.
• Lifetime warranty – The company provides lifetime warranties in any issues (residential use only).

#3. Builder’s Best 012633 – Best Galvanized Steel Vent Cap

Are you looking for a reliable roof vent cap that can be used in a versatile manner? Then Builder’s Best 012633 galvanized steel roof vent cap should be your first choice. This metal roof vent cap has been made in such a way that it will fit right almost every type of roof. This vent is made with 26 gauge galvanized steel, which makes it highly durable.

The galvanized steel surface of this vent has a high-performance polyester powder coating. That makes this vent looks extremely classy because of the black polyester powder coat finish. If you want to make an addition to your house especially as a bathroom or kitchen vents that will not only be useful but also attractive and money-saving, then you can go for this product.

Builder’s Best 012633 has been tested under extremely harsh conditions to identify how effective it actually is, and it has outperformed major foreign brands too. While testing it also showed very little or no sign of corrosion while other foreign brands have a significant amount of corrosion.

Features

• Solid construction – This vent is made of heavy-duty 26 gauge galvanized steel. High-performance polyester powder coating has made this vent extremely long-lasting and classy.
• Corrosion Protection – While testing for anti-corrosive properties this vent has shown very little or no signs of corrosion at all.
• Easy to mount– Pre-drilled holes ensure easy mounting.
• Quality – Made in the USA by a US registered trademark Builder’s Best, Inc.

#4. Broan 35316 Gable Mount Ventilator – Best Residential Attic Vent

Since 1932, Broan-NuTone LLC has led the ventilator industry with amazing residential ventilation products and dedicated customer service. Broan 35316 is one of their best gable mount vents for exhaust attic ventilation.

Broan 35316 is very effective in removing super hot attic air from your attic space. We have tested this device on several types of homes and all works like a charm. A tiny amount of noise and vibration may be noticed if not installed properly.

Galvanized steel construction, steel blades, thermally-protected and permanently lubricated motor have made this device efficient and dependable.

Features

• Efficiency –  Capable of removing super-heated attic air in spaces up to 2280 sq. ft. at 1600 CFM
• Solid construction – Galvanized steel housing provides efficiency and longevity.
• High performance – The 14-inch diameter steel blades are specially designed for maximum air movement if installed properly.
• Built-in thermostat – Operates automatically with an adjustable, built-in thermostat.

#5. Broan-NuTone 634M Exhaust Roof Vent Cap

The key is to find a suitable roof vent that will not only be effective but also enhance the ultimate look of your house. Of course, you must prioritize functioning over the vent’s looks, but it is undoubtedly a great bonus.

This product is low-maintenance & works smoothly no matter what the outside weather is. Broan 634M will complete your attic ventilation system in the best way possible by maintaining controlled but necessary airflow in your attic spaces.

This roof vent has been designed & developed to give your house a smart feel. It comes with a lot more necessary features that will make your life much easier. If you are installing this on your own, then make sure to wrap the duct in an insulation sleeve to avoid pattering raindrops.

Features

• Performance –  In order to maximize the air and sound performance of your fan use with Range Hoods, LoSone Fans, and bath ventilation fans.
• Solid construction – 24-gauge CRCQ steel construction provides efficiency and longevity.
• Reliable – Includes a built-in, backdraft damper and bird screen to keep away any unwanted visitors like birds and insects provide a dependable roof cap you can rely on.
• Easy installation – Designed to fit with a 6″ round duct to provide a simple, flexible installation.

#6. Amtrak Solar’s Powerful Galvanized Steel Solar Attic Fan – Energy Saving Green Technology

The world is getting conscious about green technology and power attic fans are getting upgraded over time according to our needs. Ventilator system manufacturing companies are now focusing on green technology. Amtrak Solar’s powered galvanized steel attic fan is one of the best eco-friendly power attic fans on market and this is our top pick for green power attic vents.

The powerful 40-watt solar panel ensures continuous power supply. Moreover, this device will reduce your electricity bill as it is based on solar power. Heavy-duty stainless steel construction ensures efficiency & longevity.

Features

• Performance – Thermally protected motor with a combination of efficient fan blades can cover up to 1750 Sq. Ft. areas.
• Solid construction – Heavy-duty stainless steel construction provides extreme efficiency and longevity.
• Reliable –  Powerful 40-Watt Solar panel and 25-year warranty made it a dependable roof cap you can rely on.
• Easy installation – This device has 25’ of extra wire and brackets. So, it’s very easy to install.

#7. Lomanco GT-12 Galvanized Turbine Roof Ventilator

The Lomanco GT-12 turbine roof vent has shown amazing performances while testing. .025-inch stamped galvanized steel has made this device strong enough to withstand winds of 140 M.P.H.

No sign of annoying noise or vibration problem. It’s energy-saving and very easy to install. Moreover, the company provides lifetime warranties that make this vent reliable.

Features

• Construction – It has air-foil curved vanes with rolled edges so that it can deflect water, and .025-inch stamped galvanized steel construction.
• Strength – tested to withstand winds of 140 M.P.H.
• Easy to install – Easy to install.
• Energy-saving – Reduce energy bills if installed properly.
• Lifetime warranty – The company provides lifetime warranties (for residential or light commercial use).

#8. Broan 634 Exhaust Roof Vent Cap, Black

Are you looking for a roof cap that is not only effective but also smart looking? Then Broan 634 exhaust roof vent cap is a great option for you. This is one of the best roof vents for residential use. 24-gauge CRCQ steel has made this vent so strong that it can survive almost any harsh weather.

It’s designed to fit almost every types of roof. Built-in bird screen keeps away birds and insects. This vents looks like a classic one, but trust me, this thing is unbeatable. With proper installation care it can serve you years.

Features

• Performance –  In order to maximize the air and sound performance of your fan use with Range Hoods, LoSone Fans, and bath ventilation fans.
• Solid construction – 24-gauge CRCQ steel construction provides efficiency and longevity.
• Reliable – Includes a built-in, backdraft damper and bird screen to keep away any unwanted visitors like birds and insects, provides an extremely dependable roof cap you can rely on.
• Easy installation – Designed to fit with a 3.25″ x 10″ or up to 8″ round duct. Comparatively easy to install.

#9. Air Vent 53315 Gable Attic Roof Ventilator

Air Vent 53315 is most effective for small houses. 1050 CFM 1/12 HP, 180W motor works silently to maintain optimum airflow in your attic space. Heavy-duty stainless steel construction with the combination of unique fan blades, it’s capable of working without any type of maintenance for years.

New power saving technology reduce energy bills. Very easy to install and has a complete step-by-step user manual for smooth installation. This is one of the best roof vents that you can select for the ventilation system of small areas like kitchen and bathroom.

Features

• Performance – With 1050 CFM 1/12 HP motor this device can cover areas up to 1500 Sq. Ft.
• Solid construction – Heavy-duty stainless steel construction provides great efficiency and longevity.
• Reliable –  Powerful and long-lasting. No major user issues.
• Easy installation – Easy to install.

#10. Broan 356BR1600 CFM Roof Mount Powered Attic Ventilator

Since 1932, Broan-NuTone LLC has been dominating the ventilator industry with amazing residential and industrial power attic ventilation products and dedicated customer service. Broan 356BR1600 CFM is one of their best power attic roof vents.

This modern vent is very effective to maintain airflow in your attic space. Thermally protected & permanently lubricated motor make no noise and vibration if installed properly. This device is a little bit pricey but trust me, this thing worth it.

Features

• Performance – Very effective to remove super-heated attic air in spaces up to 2285 sq. ft. at 1600 CFM
• Construction – PVC plastic dome with a brown finish provides great ultraviolet protection.
• Efficiency – 14″ diameter steel blade ensures maximum airflow
• Reliable –  Thermally protected & permanently lubricated motor makes this device very powerful and long-lasting.
• Easy installation – Very easy to install.

Things To Consider Before Buying Roof Vents – Buying Guide

Build Quality

The best material for roof vents is metal. Heavy PVC plastic can also be a good choice. But stay away from thin plastic because it’s prone to break. Focus on construction materials because it’s directly related to the longevity of your vents.

Easy to use

It is very important to choose a roof vent that you can install yourself. It saves you money from hiring a professional service. Mechanical vents without having any electrical wiring and eco-friendly solar-powered vents are the best options in this aspect.

Moreover, they are easy to insulate and easy to mount. Vents having a detailed installation manual would be the best one. Luckily, most units are constructed in a way for basic DIYers.

Comfort

Choose a ventilation system that you are comfortable with. Always try to get detail information about the product you are buying. It’s not actually recommended to buy roof vents online. But if you have to, then contact with seller and show him the pictures of your roof. Make sure vent will fit before buying.

Price

Most of the roof vents are affordable and not so costly to install. It’s wise to spend money for some quality products.

Different Kinds of Exhaust Roof Vents

Choosing suitable exhaust vent for your roof is not so hard. You have to choose it according to your roof type. Moreover, you have to keep in mind your budget & current trends too. Here is a list of different types of exhaust roof vents with short details.

1. Box Vents

Box vents are installed over a hole that has been cut into the roof. They use natural convection to make an opening in the roof that allows both moisture and hot air to exhaust from the house. These vents are made of very hard plastic or metal & in different colors so that it can be used with different roof colors.

2. Wind Turbines:

Wind turbines are also used over a hole that has been cut into the roof. They have a series of vanes that spin while wind passes through them. Wind turbine vents have moving parts. But they do not need electricity to move these parts, rather they have wind power to do this work.

As long as there is the wind, turbines will spin. But without wind power, they are just like box vents. They are highly efficient, the setup cost is low, you may require more than one installed to get better result according to your roof type.

3. Power Vents:

Power vents don’t just depend on the wind. They have their own power supply. The power supply can come from electricity or solar panel. This type of vents also known as electric-powered attic vents.

Their installation procedure is moderate. They are highly effective but a little pricey. Installation may need additional electrical work. They are of two types:

• Hardwired Power Roof Vents

This is the most common type of roof exhaust vent. They get their power from electricity. They are very efficient and can exhaust a significant amount of air. But keep in mind, they can make your air conditioning system less efficient.

• Solar-powered roof vents

They are slightly different from hardwired power roof vents, as they don’t get their power supply from electricity. They have their own solar panel that is attached to the mount. Some models have a battery backup as an additional power source so that they can keep working at night or in bad weather.

4. Ridge Vents

These are static vents. That means they don’t have any moving parts. The book’s spine of your roof would be the best place to install ridge vents. They should run the entire length of the roof’s horizontal ridge, for better efficiency.

You will need a roofing contractor to install this type of vents. They are very much effective if installed properly & installation procedures can be complex as well as costly.

5. Off Ridge Vents

Off ridge vents look-alike box vents. But they are not squire shaped. These long and thin vents are not so good at their work. You may need to install a good number of these vents to achieve better results.

6. Cupola Vents:

Cupola vents are very decorative, static & functioning. Mostly used as a decorative vent. They work quite well but not widely used vents. They are mostly used as supportive vent with another type of vents.

7. Hip vents

The hip vent is very much similar to a ridge vent. This vent is inconspicuous and low-profile so don’t think to use it as your primary ventilation system. You can use it with other vents for better performance.

8. Greenhouse Vents:

This vent is not for a regular home. Greenhouse vents can only be used on a greenhouse at it opens up completely and expose the inside of the greenhouse to the external environment.

9. Soffit Intake Vents:

Soffit vents are mostly made of PVC or aluminum. They are intake type vents. Soffit vents can be most effective when it is used with a ridge vent. They are easy to install, low cost and very much efficient.

10. Gable Intake Vents:

They are easy to install. The installation procedure can be easy to moderate according to your roof type. Although installation cost is low, they have limited coverage and less efficient unless your roof has a multi-gable structure.

What is Better Ridge Vent or Roof Vent?

If you are going to build a new house then ridge vents should be your first choice. They are expensive but very much effective at attic ventilation. You can combine them with intake vents and box vents to get maximum results.

You will need a roofing contractor to install ridge vents. Costs and hassle would be much higher if you want to install ridge vents in a pre-build roof.

But if you want to modify your existing home attic ventilation, then you should go for box vents or power vents. Wind turbines also perform great in this aspect. They are very easy to install. Because of reasonable prices, they are affordable too. With proper planning, you can take your attic ventilation to the next level.

How Many Roof Vents Do I Need?

It depends mostly on your roof type & types of roof vents you are using. Having a vapor barrier roughly one vent per every 300 square feet is the general rule of thumb. Without having a vapor barrier in your roof you will need 1 square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet of attic space.

So, if your attic is 600 square feet, you will need 4 square feet of vent space. I am again saying, this is just a general rule of thumb. There’s a lot of modern roof vents that are now available on the market. Some of them are extremely effective and can give you a great area coverage.

Are Power Roof Vents Good?

Yes, you can use modern power roof vents. They are highly effective. Some of them have backup batteries as additional power sources. So you don’t have to worry about the power supply weather they are electricity or solar-based.

Power roof vents are easy to install. There is only one problem. You may face a little increase in your electricity bill if you are using an electricity-based roof exhaust vent.

Do Roof Vents Help Cool House?

Yes, roof vents help to reduce house temperature if installed properly. They will clean up your air and give your home a perfect living environment.

Do Ridge Vents Leak?

A leaking roof is not a matter of laughing. If your roof vents are leaking then most probably there are two reasons behind that. With proper installation procedures, roof ridge vents should not leak. However, inappropriate installation eventually leads to leaks. Another problem that can lead to leaks is involved with sealant. Without proper sealing, the rain will eventually make its way into the attic.

Can A Ridge Vent Be Installed On An Existing Roof?

Yes, you can install a ridge vent on an existing roof. But it will cost you a good amount of money. You will need a roofing contractor to do this work for you. Because ridge vent installation is a complex procedure.

Do I Need An Attic Fan With a Ridge Vent?

You don’t need an attic fan if you have ridge vents run the entire length of the roof’s horizontal ridge. If you don’t have adequate vents you should add more power vents or wind turbines according to your needs. Someone may suggest you install solar fans. But trust me, that would be a waste of your money.

Can You Have Too Many Roof Vents?

You can add power vents or turbines in your roof with ridge vents. Ther’s not any problem at all. Some roofing contractors may describe you differently. They have their own reason to do that. I am using two power vents on my 270 squire foot roof alongside ridge exhaust vent. It’s working great.

How Much Does It Cost To Add Roof Vents?

Roof vent installation can costs between $300 and $600 on average, including labor and materials. The rate depends on the type, size, and the number of units you choose to install on your roof. Roof vents come in a variety of styles & colors and range from $10 to $500 each.

How Do Roof Vents Work?

It is very much important to provide a continuous flow of air through the attic space. That is the main job of a roof ventilation system. They remove overheated air and moisture from your house to maintain a healthy environment both inside and outside the home.

A ventilation system consists of both intake and exhaust vents installed in strategic positions. Different types of vents may be used in different locations to provide adequate air circulation.

The roof design should provide adequate air space for airflow under the roof. A correctly designed system will precisely balance the intake and exhaust ventilation so that conditioned air does n’t suck out too quickly through the vents.

Do All Roofs Need Vents?

Almost all types of roofs need a ventilation system. It is very much important to remove hot or toxic air from your home. And a ventilation system is a must to do this work properly.

A good ventilation system also extends the life of your roof by protecting it from heat and moisture.

Do Garage Roofs Need Vents?

Yes, garage roofs need vents. It’s not mainly for continuous airflow, it’s for the longevity of your garage roof.

How Do You Tell If Your Attic Is Properly Ventilated?

If you enter a properly ventilated house, and then a poorly ventilated house shortly after that, you will be able to tell the difference between these two. You won’t see the difference between these two, but you will feel it.

A good ventilation system is very much essential for a healthy home. If you’re going to buy a new home, or if you want to rebuild your home, you may want to take note of these signs below:

1. Great indoor air quality

Great indoor air quality is the first & crucial sign of good ventilation. If we breathe in and the air is fresh and free of unpleasant smells, then we can fairly determine that the house has a great ventilation system.

2. No signs of mold and mildew

Without proper ventilation mold or mildew can grow on the ceilings or walls. You won’t find mold or mildew on the roof or wall of a properly ventilated house. Though there’s a lot more reason to grow mold in a house, a poor ventilation system is undoubtedly one of them.

3. Exhaust & intake vents are in good working condition

Well maintained, strategically placed intake and exhaust vents are another important part. Make sure they are working as well.

4. Good moisture-level

Moss & mold are some of the visual signs of larger ventilation issues. There are some invisible signs too. That is house moisture-level. Hire a professional & measure the moisture levels in different suspected areas of your house. You can easily identify any area that can cause potential issues in near future.

5. Minimal to no condensation problems

Improperly ventilated homes can get condensation problems, especially in the winter. If your home experiences only minimal condensation issues, then you can consider it having a good ventilation system.

What Is A Passive Roof Vent?

If your home’s built-in ventilation system fail to provide adequate airflow then you have to boost up your ventilation system by adding some passive vents in strategic positions. There are a lot of options that you can choose.

There’s a lot of modern box vents and power vents available on the market. They are very much effective and easy to install. You can choose them according to your needs. You may consult with a roofing professional to find out the best position to install vents in your roof.

These passive vents work great. You can choose the turbine vents too. They are a little bit pricey but very much effective.

How Long Do Plastic Roof Vents Last?

Plastic roof vents can offer several key advantages to metal alternatives. How long it will last that depend on some other environmental factors. But considering all other factors it’s not hard to say, plastic vents will last for years.

Final Words About Roof Vents

The ventilation system is a very important part of a house. Choosing a perfect roof vent is not an easy task. In this article, we have discussed briefly everything important to choose suitable vent for your roof. Hope this will help you. Thanks.